AmaReina Overview

By Carolyn Spencer Brown, Editor in Chief

Editor Rating
5.0

AmaReina, a nearly identical sister ship to AmaWaterways' AmaPrima, AmaCerto, AmaBella and AmaVerde, spends its entire season sailing for Australia-based APT. Short for Australian Pacific Touring, the Melbourne company, founded in 1927, owns part of AmaWaterways.

AmaWaterways has carved out a niche for itself in the river cruise arena with its emphasis on wine and food amid comfortably stylish surrounds. Part of the line's Concerto class of ships, AmaReina has one new twist to it that the others don't: a casual all-day eatery for those looking for a change from formal dining room meals (or ultra-light casual buffets in the lounge).

Unique to AmaReina and its Concerto-class siblings, the majority of staterooms feature double-balcony configurations. One side is a French verandah, with floor-to-ceiling doors that open wide, and the other is an actual balcony, with comfortable chairs. Notable, too: These spacious staterooms aren't limited to a lucky few. On the top two cabin decks, they're plentiful.

Other delightful features on AmaReina make it a welcoming ship. On the sun deck, a splash pool (with swim-up bar) and deep, comfy wicker-like sofas are popular gathering spots. The small gym is well stocked with state-of-the-art equipment.

It's important to note, though, that the ship's gorgeous decor and creature comforts are a backdrop to the experience you'll have on land. APT features a nice range of possibilities in each port (most of which are complimentary), targeting a variety of travel styles. Highlights are the themed experiences geared toward interests like art, and food and wine, as well as recreational cycling expeditions.

AmaReina has also seen the addition of several special tour options. These include a private performance by members of Vienna's Mozart Boys Choir at the gorgeous City Palace, the official winter residence of Liechtenstein's royal family, and a personally guided tour of Burg Namedy, a gorgeous, restored castle. New for next year will be the chance to travel from the port at Linz to Salzburg via the Majestic Imperator, a gorgeous restored steam train.

APT offers terrific value-for-money extras on its cruises, including free and unlimited Wi-Fi (with an unusually fast connection for a cruise ship) and complimentary liquor and other beverages. Gratuities are included in all cruise fares.

The crew on AmaReina rounded out our superb cruise experience. Warm, efficient and personable, the staff set the tone on the first night onboard, when a couple, arriving well after mealtime, asked the bartender if there were snacks available. Instead, she went down to the kitchen and assembled a full meal for the weary travelers. Now that's service.

AmaReina Fellow Passengers

APT, along with its river cruise partner AmaWaterways, generally appeals to well-traveled, 50-and-older passengers with a strong interest in culinary arts and active exploration. Geographically, passengers are strongly drawn from Australia, New Zealand and the U.K.; generally no Americans are onboard, unless they live in Australia. There's no marketing at all to U.S. residents in any other countries, save for the ones mentioned.

AmaReina Dress Code

Day and night, the prevailing dress code is country club casual, except for the once-a-cruise Captain's Dinner, when male passengers don jackets and ties and women wear cocktail garb.

AmaReina Gratuity

AmaReina Member Reviews

My husband and I just returned from a Xmas Market cruise on the Rhine River on the AMAReina. It was our first river cruise after 20 ocean liner cruises (the last one - Celebrity from Venice to Barcelona). We loved everything about the cruise, AMA ...
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The ship was fantastic. Best shower on any cruise line. The ship was very elegant. This was a Xmas Market cruise so we mainly sailed in the evening.
The excursions to the port cities was laborious. Long walks to the buses and then long walks to the ...
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